1975 Pontiac Grand Prix Hardtop 

It might be unexpected, but the 1975 Grand Prix represents some firsts for Pontiac.  The speedometer now topped out at 100, down 20 or 40 from previous models.  Catalytic converters showed up in '75 and ended true dual exhaust as pipes were joined to enter a single cat.  Finally, radial tires became standard on all models.  Despite the changes, (or maybe because of them), the '75 production numbers continued a downward trend as prices went up due to safety regulations and there were competitive cars in this segment. 

For consignment, a midway car in the fourth generation of the personal luxury coupe with just 67,254 title verified actual miles.  Our consignor states that the original owner kept it until 2023 and obviously took good care of it.  It represents a time capsule of a somewhat unlikely collectible and is surely one of just a handful left with this kind of mileage and original condition.

Exterior
Original Carmel Beige paint coats this car in all its glorious single stage goodness.  To extenuate the raised portion of the pointed hood, a dark pinstripe borders the proud section, then continues down the body of the car and around the raised section of the trunk.  The split grille surrounds the nose with the Pontiac emblem dead center and the single headlights make a final appearance on the Grand Prix in '75.  The chrome bezels of the headlights, as with the chrome of the front bumper, are in excellent shape.  No doubt this car has been garaged for a good part of its life and the vinyl top is testament to that.  The rear window is uniquely angular with a center crease that splits the curve to each side.  This shape is mirrored in the trunk lid, the body line at the bumper inserts, and the bumper itself.  The taillights were redesigned for '75 and consist of five adjacent strips of light.  Some of the more daring Kia SUV taillight designs are not dissimilar to these strips from 1975!  The hood emblem and the rear keyhole cover are emblazoned with an ornate design and “GP” which gives the car a touch of 70's class.  Overall, the body and paint are in great shape for an original car of this vintage.  We do note areas of crackling paint, especially on the rocker panels, along with some chips, not unexpected for an unrestored car.  There is a bit of swelling in the vinyl top at the bottom corner of the rear window.  15-inch Pontiac Rally II wheels are present and include the PMD center cap.

Interior
It's 1975 and what goes best with a beige exterior?  That's right, Saddle Brown with a bit of woodgrain thrown in on the interior!  And that's just what greets you when you open the big doors, beautiful brown vinyl door card with a clean, angular look flowing to a canted brushed aluminum feature that houses the electric window control.  An inset faux wood panel is framed in polished metal and looks showroom fresh.  The tall bucket seats are in fantastic condition and the rear bench seat is even better!  A triple spoked steering wheel frames the gauge cluster completely submerged in incredibly preserved faux wood.  The gauges are clean and crisp, and the cigarette lighter is marked with a graphic of a Zippo style lighter, that's cool!  The dashboard and plastic surround are in astounding condition and the AM/FM radio is exactly how it appeared in 1975.  The molded plastic center console houses the shifter and the base model insignia “Model J”.  More faux wood covers a storage compartment in the center.  The green-gold carpet shows a bit more age than the rest of the interior, although it's still pretty nice, and the perforated headliner is in great shape overhead.  The trunk is in stock condition which was pretty plain in '75. 

Drivetrain
The numbers matching 400ci engine hasn't left the bay in 48 years and looks super clean under the hood.  Bravo to the caretaker of this car, it's an absolute pleasure to see a mid-70's daily driver with a clean engine bay!  This power plant was rated at 185 horsepower, (ah emission regulations), and is connected to a matching numbers TH400 3-speed automatic transmission connected to a driveshaft that spins the 2.73 gears in a 10-bolt rear.   A 4-barrel carburetor regulates the fuel delivery, while power disc up front and power drums brakes in the rear handle the slowing and stopping. 

Undercarriage
More evidence that this car's been well cared for, the underside is essentially defect free save for some surface rust in usual spots like the driveshaft.  We see the exhaust come down from the two manifolds then join to meet a catalytic converter, then a muffler, then to the tailpipe tucked and downturned under the rear bumper.  Independent front suspension and 4-link rear are both associated with coil springs at all four corners.  We note the 235/75R15 tires are less than a year old.  

Drive-Ability
Yes, the seats are a little slick, the surfaces a bit hard and the ergonomics lacking a bit compared to the cars of today, but that's part of the charm of this 70's time capsule.  I'm right back in grade school, being driven to little league football and climbing in the back as dad takes the wheel.  The engine also sounds familiar as we fire it up and head down the ramp to the test loop.  The big 4-barrel chugging away and the 400 makes good power.  It's not a muscle car, but you can tell it wants to be.  It handles well with just a bit of yaw in turns and the automatic shifts smoothly.  In a flash, it was time to return to 2024 and the brakes did their job with a stab of the pedal.  This is a comfortable car with a smooth ride, five stars! 

Movies like Jaws and Dog Day Afternoon defined the times and so did the cars.  With their distinctive pointed hood and narrow grille the Grand Prix is immediately recognizable and was quite common in the 70's with more than 850,000 being sold between 1973 and 1977.  Here's a well preserved, low mileage example that will be a huge hit with Gen-Xers at the next car show or gas station stop. 

2K57S5P124443
2-Pontiac
K-Grand Prix
57-2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
S-400ci 4bbl 185hp V8
5-1975
P-Pontiac, MI Assy Plant
124443-Sequential Unit Number

TRIM TAG

ST 75 2GK57-1975 Grand Prix 2 Door Hardtop Sport Coupe
BDY PON415600-Pontiac Body #
TR 63H-Saddle Vinyl
PNT 50 55T-Carmel Beige, Sandstone
09D-4th Week September
A51-Bucket Seats

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!